Spark a connection, light up the future

University Programs

When university students are taken out of their comfort zone and come face to face with new ideas, skills, and cultures, they increase their own understanding of the world and further develop their critical thinking abilities.

This type of volunteer experience requires teamwork, develops the student’s leadership skills, and empowers them to become active global citizens. Not to mention the value of international experience that can be added to your resumé.

Critical science

Critical science

You'll contribute to vital conservation research targeted at protecting the earth's most valuable ecosystems.
Ethical engagement

Ethical engagement

Using the UN's SDGs as a framework, we've made a commitment to positive, constructive and sustainable impact.
Beautiful adventures

Beautiful adventures

You'll spend your days exploring some of the world's most breathtaking, exhilarating and remote wildernesses.

Overview
Testimonials

Our university group volunteer programs are designed to fully immerse and challenge students in contrasting environments. Typically trips are one to two weeks in length and are varied, exciting and tailored to ensure that students have a life-changing, memorable and positive volunteering experience.

We have a thorough understanding of intercultural issues that may affect your students and have worked with universities from all over the world such as Duke University, Stanford University and Northeastern University.

For a more educational take on things we have developed a separate range of service learning group programs that focus on the educational elements more heavily, which follow a curriculum, and include pre and post-trip elements, under the GVI international service learning brand.

Not a university group? We have plenty of programmes for individuals looking to join a group. Have a browse through our exciting programs here.

“ We are delighted to partner with GVI for our premier program abroad, TCU Global Academy. We appreciate GVI’s responsible and respectful approach to community engagement which perfectly aligns with TCU’s vision of developing ethical, socially responsible and socially aware, global citizens. ”

Sandra Callaghan – Director of the Center for International Studies at TCU

“ My name is Megan Cable and I work at Ohio State alongside Brittany Savko. I was the staff lead for our May trip with GVI Costa Rica. I wanted to write to you to let you know we had an excellent experience. Our GVI guides, Luis and Rachel were PHENOMENAL!! Please pass along my praises! Luis quickly became one of my favorite people of all time. His knowledge and leadership skills enhanced our trip tremendously. He was so patience, flexible, professional, and kind. I cannot say enough good things about him! We also very much enjoyed our time in Quepos and Cocal. It was a wonderful experience for our student-athletes and staff to be immersed in the culture of Costa Rica. I just wanted to send this along so your staff knows how great our experience was and we look forward to our continued partnership. ”

Megan Cable – Assistant Director at The Ohio State University

To read more testimonials from educators and students, visit our Groups testimonials page.

See what other parents & participants say

Read reviews and recommendations from all over the world.